New York State's Republican-controlled Senate passed legislation Thursday to increase tax rebates for Long Island senior citizens.

Enhanced STAR rebate checks would increase from $500 to $820 in Nassau and $421 to $750 in Suffolk, pending approval by the Assembly. There are some 111,000 seniors on the Island who would benefit from the higher rebates.

Sen. Dean Skelos (R-Rockville Centre) supports the plan, which is designed to amend Gov. Eliot Spitzer's initial budget proposal.

Spitzer, meanwhile, contends higher rebates would "bust the budget." He said his focus has been on lowering property taxes for the entire middle class, but he's open for compromise.

"All of these issues are on the table as we move toward the end of session," Spitzer said.

The legislative session runs until the end of June.

To watch Gov. Spitzer's comments on the STAR program bill, go to channel 612 on your iO digital cable box and select iO Extra.